“Walker Riverside Academy and Tyne Coast Academy Trust share a vision to deliver exceptional education, and our students can be confident we will stand true to that aim.”

Headteacher Mike Collier said: "The governing body at Walker Technology College was very selective about which academy sponsor was 'best fit' for the academic and vocational aspirations of our students.

“There were multiple options on the table that took well over two years to consider fully.

“When the Department for Education suggested we partner with Tyne Coast Academies Trust, governors were quick to see the many benefits to offer the highest quality opportunities for further education, training and employment for our students.

“Walker has always looked to get the very best for its community, so it is indeed no surprise that the sponsor for Tyne Coast Academies Trust, South Tyneside College, was seen as the National FE College of the year for 2017.

“For many schools, times are uncertain. For the newly named Walker Riverside Academy, the future is secure, stable and extremely prosperous."

Under the change of governance, funding for Walker Riverside Academy has switched from Newcastle City Council to Tyne Coast Academy Trust.

Granting academy status, Mr Hinds said: “Academies form an integral part of the Government’s education policy to raise attainment for all children.

“Your academy will now have the opportunity to use the freedoms and flexibilities of academy status to share best practice and work with others to bring about sustained improvements to all schools in the area.

“I would like to thank you for your commitment and wish you every success in the future.”

Tyne Coast Academy Trust was previously called South Tyneside Multi Academy Trust but changed its name when South Tyneside College and TyneMet merged last August.

It aims to support the development of high-quality teaching and learning, develop curriculums that meet the needs of businesses and students, and work in partnership with the region’s communities, agencies and employers.

The trust provides financial support, procurement, budget setting, and prepares statutory accounts, and deals with audits and returns to the Government’s Education and Skills Funding Agency.

Education bodies within it also benefit from increased purchasing power and economies of scale, which can help reduce costs.

Established in 2013, its principal success has been to support Ridgeway Primary Academy, a once failing school in South Shields, to dramatic improvement.

In November 2016, Ridgeway achieved an improved Ofsted rating of ‘good’, and the following month was named the country’s most improved mainstream primary for progress in writing at the end of Key Stage 2.

At the same time, it was listed as the thirteenth most improved in reading, writing and maths combined.

Ofsted ‘good’ rated Walker Riverside Academy has around 1,100 students aged between 11 and 19.

Its business and industry curriculum comprises of business studies, engineering, construction, computing, food and nutrition, child care, hair and beauty, health and social care, and leisure and tourism.